Gamba Osaka are one of five teams in a tight battle for the Meiji Yasuda J1 League title and they’re hoping to move three points closer to the top when they host Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday at 18:30 JST live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.

Dani Poyatos’ side enter the weekend having drawn their last three contests and while they have done well to make sure they take something from each match, draws are not good enough to win the title. They need to win if they want to chase down FC Machida Zelvia at the top of the table.

Last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Vissel Kobe was a step in the right direction as their attack found some life thanks to a goal by the ever-reliable Takashi Usami and then a stoppage time equalizer from Shinnosuke Nakatani.

If Gamba can keep the momentum from Nakatani’s dramatic goal going and feature a dynamic attack then a run at the title is very much in play. That puts all eyes on how the team looks going forward against Fukuoka and whether they can show the attacking verve they did late against Vissel.

Avispa have hit a bit of a rough patch themselves, going five straight without a win. It’s dealt their hopes of a club-record finish a blow, as they’ve fallen to ninth place, but a win over Gamba could take them right back up the table.

Will Fukuoka right the ship or will Gamba climb higher in the table as they pursue the title?

Find out live on JLeague.co!